Far from just an incremental release, Apple’s iOS 17 represents a huge step forward, packed with features to personalize the user experience, boost productivity, and expand the iPhone’s capabilities.
From faster charging to lock screen personalization, this article will provide an overview of some of the most useful iPhone hacks and features in 2024.
1. Faster Charging
One handy trick that not all iPhone users are aware of is the ability to charge your iPhone battery more quickly by placing the handset in Airplane Mode first. Since Airplane Mode switches off many power-hungry features such as WiFi and cellular networking, less burden is placed on the battery, enabling it to charge faster. To switch on Airplane Mode, open Control Center then tap the Airplane Mode icon.
2. Live Text
Live text makes it possible to copy text from images seamlessly. By simply pointing the camera at written text, it becomes instantly editable and interactive. This unique on-device intelligent function enables iPhone owners to not only translate languages quickly and easily while on the move, but also allows users to create contacts with a single tap and call phone numbers directly from photographs.
3. Text Replacements
iPhone users who have common phrases they find themselves typing all the time can create shortcuts for those phrases. Whenever they enter that shortcut, their iPhone will automatically complete the phrase they wanted to type. iPhone owners can save shortcuts for as many phrases as they wish, be it email addresses, phone numbers, signatures, thank you notes, and more. To create a shortcut, go to Settings > General > Keyboard and select “Text Replacement.” Tap on the “+” icon in the top-right corner to create shortcuts for common phrases.
4. Take Pictures Using the Volume Buttons
Tapping the onscreen camera button is not the only way to capture images with an iPhone. In fact, there is a much easier way to take photos while on the fly without even looking at or tapping the screen. Once the Camera app is open, simply click on the volume up or down button to capture an image. This option even works with headphones that feature inline remotes.
5. Mirror Your iPhone to Mac or PC
While it is easy to mirror an iPhone screen to a Mac, to screen mirror on a Windows PC will require a third-party app. The Mirror to PC or Mac app enables iPhone users to mirror their iPhone screen on a laptop or computer. Compatible with any computer with access to Google Chrome, the app can be set up in under 2 minutes. The Mirror to PC or Mac app is available at the App Store. To install, simply download it, open it, and follow the on-screen instructions. This feature is useful in a variety of different circumstances, from enhancing work presentations to watching videos.
6. Child Locks
Parents who wish to block graphic content and apps that are not appropriate for children can do this through the Guided Access setting. This can be found in Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle Guided Access on > Passcode Settings > Toggle Face ID on > Set Guided Access Passcode > Launch Page/App then pressing the lock button three times.
7. Bypass Silent Mode for Emergency Contacts
For those who tend to keep their phone in silent mode all the time, this handy iPhone trick will help to ensure you never miss an important call. You can set your handset to bypass silent mode for emergency contacts, meaning that whenever you get a notification or phone call from that contact, the iPhone will always make a sound, even when Silent Mode is enabled.
8. Save Documents as PDFs
Sometimes you receive a letter or form that you need to save digitally. Or perhaps you want to save a recipe or a chapter of a book on your iPhone. In the past, this would have required an expensive scanner or a trip to the library. However, today’s iPhone users can convert physical documents to PDFs quickly and easily via the Scan Documents Feature. To do this, click on the Notes app, open a new note, and click on the Camera icon. Select “Scan Document,” crop the scanned document, click “Keep Scan” and press “Save” in the bottom right corner. This will create a PDF file that can easily be viewed and shared via your iPhone.
9. Lock Screen Personalization
iOS 17 brings to a close the age of static lock screens, enabling iPhone users to craft dynamic and multi-layered masterpieces. iPhone owners can choose from a wide range of animated wallpapers incorporating widgets for quick access to information such as their calendar, fitness rings, or weather updates. Users can set multiple lock screens to match different occasions or moods, creating a personal portal into their digital world.